Mums, short for chrysanthemums, are one of the most popular flowers for fall gardens—and for good reason. With their bold, vibrant colors and full blooms, mum plants bring life to porches, patios, and flower beds when many other plants are fading. But if you want your mums to thrive and bloom beautifully year after year, it’s important to know how to take care of mum plants the right way.
Don’t worry, whether you’re a beginner gardener or just looking to give your mums some extra love, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know. Let’s dig in!
Why Mums Are the Stars of Fall Gardens
Mums are hardy, gorgeous, and pretty low-maintenance if you give them just a little attention. They come in a wide range of colors—yellow, red, orange, purple, and more. Plus, their compact size makes them perfect for containers, garden beds, or even as indoor decor.
But here’s the catch—while mums are pretty resilient, they do need proper care to look their best and last as long as possible. The good news? Taking care of mum plants isn’t hard once you understand their needs.
When to Plant Mums: Timing Is Everything
One of the first things you should know about how to take care of mum plants is that timing matters. Many people assume mums are annuals, but most varieties are actually perennials—meaning they can come back year after year—if planted at the right time.
- Spring is best: If you want mums to survive the winter and return next year, plant them in the early spring so they have time to establish strong roots.
- Fall planting is okay for short-term beauty: While you can buy and plant mums in the fall for instant color, they likely won’t survive a cold winter unless you live in a mild climate.
So, if you’re looking for long-term results, aim to plant your mums in spring—but don’t worry if you’re grabbing some fall mums to spruce up your porch; they’ll still put on a great show!
How to Choose Healthy Mum Plants
Before you even begin planting, it’s important to pick strong, healthy mums. Here are a few signs to look for:
- Look for compact, bushy plants with lots of buds, not just full blooms.
- Avoid leggy or droopy plants—they may be stressed or unhealthy.
- Check for any signs of mold, pests, or leaf spots.
Remember, a plant full of unopened buds will give you blooms that last much longer than one that’s already in full flower. It’s like picking fruit that’s just shy of ripe—it’ll give you more enjoyment over time.
Where to Plant Mums for the Best Results
Learning how to take care of mum plants starts with choosing the perfect spot. Mums love the sun, and the more light they get, the more flowers you’ll enjoy.
- Sunlight: Ideally, mums should get at least 6 hours of sunlight per day. More sun equals more blooms.
- Soil: Well-drained soil is crucial. Mums hate soggy roots, which can lead to rot. If your soil is heavy, mix in compost or sand for better drainage.
- Space: Give mums room to grow. Plant them about 18–24 inches apart to allow for air circulation, which helps prevent disease.
Think of mums like guests at a dinner party—they don’t like to be cramped, and they’ll thrive when they each have their own space!
Watering Mums the Right Way
Watering might seem simple, but when it comes to how to take care of mum plants, there’s a bit of an art to it.
- Newly planted mums need to be watered regularly so their roots can settle in.
- Keep the soil moist, but not soaked. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry.
- Water at the base of the plant, not from above—wet leaves can lead to mildew.
During hot or dry spells, you may need to water every day, especially for mums in containers. Just like people need more water when it’s hot, so do mums!
Fertilizing Mums for Bigger, Better Blooms
Want lush, vibrant flowers? Fertilizing is key.
- Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer once every 2-4 weeks during the growing season (spring and summer).
- Stop fertilizing around mid-August to help the plant focus on blooming instead of growing leaves.
Think of fertilizer as vitamins for your mums. Too little, and they won’t reach their full potential. Too much, and they may grow green leaves but produce fewer flowers.
Pinching Back Mums for Fuller Plants
This might sound odd, but one of the best tips for how to take care of mum plants is to pinch them back. Don’t worry—it’s not as weird as it sounds.
In late spring or early summer, pinch off the top inch or so of each stem. This encourages the plant to branch out, leading to a bushier shape with more blooms in the fall.
- Start pinching when the plant is about 6 inches tall.
- Keep pinching every 2-3 weeks, until mid-July.
Imagine giving your plant a haircut—it’ll grow back fuller and better looking!
How to Take Care of Mum Plants in Containers vs. In the Ground
Mums in containers need a bit more attention than mums planted in the ground.
- They dry out quicker, so you’ll need to water more often.
- Use pots with drainage holes to avoid soggy soil.
- Consider moving them into a garage or basement before the first hard frost if you want to overwinter them.
For garden mums, mulching around the base in late fall can help protect the roots during winter.
Protecting Mums from Frost and Winter Damage
If you want your mums to survive through winter and bloom again next year, you’ll need to give them a little winter prep.
- Wait until after the first frost to cut back the faded blooms; the dead parts help protect the roots.
- Apply a thick mulch (like straw or shredded leaves) over the root base once the ground starts to freeze.
- In very cold areas, consider covering them with a breathable fabric for extra protection.
Winter care is like tucking your mums in for a long nap—they’ll wake up fresh and ready in spring!
How to Take Care of Mum Plants Indoors
If you’re keeping mums inside as decor, the care is a bit different. Here’s how to help mums last indoors:
- Place them near a sunny window that gets indirect light.
- Keep them away from heat vents or drafts.
- Water when the top layer of soil feels dry, but don’t overwater.
Indoor mums usually bloom for about 4–6 weeks. Once the flowers fade, you can plant them outside in the garden (if it’s spring) and they might bloom again later in the year.
Common Mum Care Mistakes to Avoid
Even if you know how to take care of mum plants, it’s easy to make a few common slip-ups. Here are a few to watch out for:
- Planting too late in the fall and expecting them to come back.
- Watering too much and drowning the roots.
- Not pinching plants back leads to tall, leggy mums with fewer blooms.
A little awareness goes a long way—avoid these mistakes and your mums will thank you.
Final Thoughts on How to Take Care of Mum Plants
Taking care of mums may seem like a lot at first, but once you get into the rhythm, it’s pretty simple—and totally worth it. These vibrant beauties bring warmth and color to any garden, and with just a bit of TLC, they’ll keep coming back year after year.
